Ronald Urken

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Monday, May 12th at 6:15 PM
Congregation B'nai Torah
700 Mt. Vernon Highway, NE Sandy Springs, GA 30328

LIVESTREAM: https://www.bnaitorah.org/stream

OBITUARY
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Ronald “Ronnie” Urken, a man whose life, spanning from October 13, 1934, to May 4, 2025, was a testament to the enduring power of kindness, quiet fortitude, and the immeasurable bonds of love. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Ronnie embarked on a life journey marked by unwavering devotion to his family, a steadfast commitment to integrity in his professional endeavors, and a profound connection to the community he embraced.

A proud alumnus of Bucknell University, Ronnie found his life's truest partnership when he married Madeline Palay on July 5, 1959. Their union blossomed into a beautiful tapestry woven with enduring affection and mutual support. In 1960, their shared path led them to Atlanta, where Ronnie's entrepreneurial spirit and resolute drive culminated in the establishment of the local Charles Chips home delivery franchise. His professional life flourished through subsequent successful ventures with the Silver Shoes Company and the House of Denmark, each marked by his characteristic diligence and honorable dealings. He and his family were longtime members of Congregation Beth Jacob where Ronnie could be seen steadfastly ushering at the sanctuary doors during the holidays.

Ronnie possessed an infectious passion for sports, most notably tennis, a game he continued to enjoy with enthusiasm on the MJCCA courts well into his eighties. Though his early allegiances lay with the Philadelphia teams of his youth, Ronnie wholeheartedly embraced the Atlanta sports scene, his loyalty unwavering even through seasons of considerable challenge. As a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves, he found immense pleasure not only in the thrill of the game but also in nurturing young talent and fostering character through his coaching in the Briarcliff Community Sports program. Whether on the tennis court, thoughtfully preparing coffee for Madeline's Mahjong companions, or sharing laughter and camaraderie during poker games with cherished friends, Ronnie's presence was a source of warmth, unwavering loyalty, and genuine connection.

To have known Ronnie was to know a true mensch—a man embodying humility, grace, and an unfailing kindness that touched the lives of friends, neighbors, family, and even those who encountered him briefly. His gentle spirit and optimistic perspective left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ronnie is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Maddy, his children, Steven and Marcy, and a wide embrace of extended family and friends who held him dear. His memory will continue to illuminate the lives of those who were fortunate enough to have shared in his journey...

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald's memory can be made to Congregation B'nai Torah, Weinstein Hospice, or to the Atlanta Jewish Academy.